Editor’s note: Times like these have the power to define us. Few of us will see the front lines, but many will make a difference in the lives of the firefighters, volunteers and refugees of the Waldo Canyon Fire. We tell the stories of the quiet heroes of these fires.

Never before had cake batter been a more welcoming aroma, a soothing departure from the smoke that choked many Colorado Springs residents during what is now declared to be the worst wildfire in state history.

“We try to put as much love in one little cupcake as we can,” said Joni McCoy, owner of Couture Cupcakes.

Waldo Canyon Fire set a mountainside ablaze last Saturday. It destroyed an estimated 346 homes, evacuated more than 32,000 people and left two dead.

Using Facebook to rally her fans, McCoy organized “Cupcakes for Community Heroes.” The event brought together more than 100 volunteers to prepare and deliver 65 dozen cupcakes to local fire and police stations, as well as the volunteers supporting the Waldo Canyon Fire relief efforts.

“I think we all felt like we just wanted to do something to help,” said McCoy, her own home and family so far safe from the fire. “When I put out the call for help, I got so many responses that I’m having another one in two weeks.”

One such volunteer was Carrie Leland. Leland’s husband, Tom, and son, Trevor, are both firemen fighting to contain the blaze, which still rages on further north of the neighborhoods most affected by last Tuesday’s inferno. Trevor, a new homeowner in the Mountain Shadows sub-division, had just returned from fighting the High Park fires in Ft. Collins when he was called up.

“He’s physically and mentally exhausted,” she says, “but he’s so proud to be a part of this.”

Leland has been meeting needs all across the city at various volunteer hot spots.

“I spent 2 days at the Equestrian Center and 3 days at Red Cross,” she said. “I’ve seen so many people who just want to get involved and help. It takes your mind off things and makes you feel like you’re doing something about it.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can see a list of community efforts, events and organizations assisting in the relief efforts at coloradosprings.com.

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